Paper Product Containing Mineral Material Which Stimulates Micro-Organism Activity In Naturally Occurring Environmental Conditions

ABSTRACT

A paper product ( 20 ) is provided of at least one sheet of soft degradable paper material at least partially coated or impregnated with a mineral material such as rock dust ( 11 ) in a fine particulate form. The mineral material having characteristics which enhance micro-organism activity at the paper product ( 20 ) at least under some naturally occurring environmental conditions. Seeds ( 12 ) may also be added to the paper product ( 20 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a paper product, and a method forproducing a paper product. In particular, but not exclusively, thepresent invention relates a paper product that is suitable for use astoilet paper in remote and environmentally sensitive areas and a methodof producing the toilet paper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bushwalking, camping, hiking, boating and other outdoor leisureactivities, sports and pursuits are popular past times throughout theworld. Such activities and pursuits are often conducted in remote areasor areas which do not have washroom, restroom and bathroom facilities,or an ablution block. Other activities whereby a person is placed in anisolated location in the absence of such facilities include militaryexercises, espionage and covert field activities by field operatives,exercises by special agents, activities by boy scouts and girl guides,and the like.

Partakers of such activities are thus faced with the problem of disposalof toilet tissue and personal waste when confronted with the need toevacuate in the absence of appropriate facilities. Typical methods ofdisposal of waste products of the prior art include at least partialburial of toilet tissue, full burial of toilet tissue and non-burial oftoilet tissue. Environmental awareness programs and basic common sensehave purportedly resulted in full burial of toilet tissue and faecalmatter, thus resulting in a more hygienic environment and reduction ofthe incidence of spread of disease and environmental contamination

The present inventor has identified the short comings of the prior artand has sought to ameliorate at least some of the above difficulties.

Any reference in this specification to the prior art does notconstitute, nor should it be considered, an admission that such priorart was widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge inAustralia, or in any other jurisdiction, before the priority date of anyof the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a paper productcomprising at least one sheet of soft degradable paper material at leastpartially coated or impregnated with a mineral material in a fineparticulate form, the mineral material having characteristics whichenhance micro-organism activity at the paper product at least under somenaturally occurring environmental conditions.

The mineral material may be impregnated within the paper material,adhered to the paper material or located between two adjacent plies ofthe paper material.

The mineral material is preferably in the form of a rock dust. The rockdust may be formed from at least one igneous rock type, for examplethose from the group comprising basalt, granite and rhyolite.Alternatively, the rock dust may be formed from at least one metamorphicrock, for example from at least one gneiss type rock, or the mineralmaterial may be formed from at least one sedimentary rock.

Preferably, the rock dust used is a glacial moraine. Alternatively, therock dust may be formed from at least one from at least two differentrock types selected from the group comprising igneous rock, metamorphicrock and sedimentary rock.

Preferably, the rock dust has an average particle size less than 200 μm,more preferably less than about 100 μm, still more preferably less thanabout 50 μm and most preferably less than about 20 μm.

Preferably, the sheet of paper is formed from a recycled paper material.More preferably, the paper is formed from a non-bleached material.Alternatively, the sheet of paper may be formed from virgin pulpmaterial.

The paper tissue may be a single ply paper or alternatively a multi-plypaper.

The rock powder may be positioned between at least two sheets of saidmulti-ply paper. Alternatively, the rock powder may be impregnatedwithin at least one of said at least one sheets of paper.

The paper tissue preferably further comprising one or more seeds. Theseeds may be of one or more different plant varieties. Preferably theseed are applied to an outer face of said at least one sheet of papermaterial such that the seeds are held in place without an adhesive.

The seeds preferably have an average particle size less that about 200μm, more preferably less than about 100 μm and still more preferablyless than about 50 μm.

Preferably, the seeds are applied at a rate of up to 10,000 seeds perkilometre of paper, more preferably at a rate of 8,000 to 10,000 seedsper kilometre of paper.

Preferably the seeds are selected upon a predetermined geographical areaof usage of the paper tissue.

The seeds may be selected from at least one of the group of seeds oftrees selected from Eucalyptus, Callistemon, Melaleuca, Casuarina,Leptospermum, Bracteantha and Kunzea species.

The paper tissue may be provided in the form of a roll having aplurality of sheets. Alternatively, the paper tissue may be provided asa plurality of sheets in the form of a stack in a packet or in a box.Preferably, the sheets may be arranged such that a “pop-up” actionoccurs upon removal of one sheet from the box or stack so that at leasta portion of the next sheet protrudes, for easy access for subsequentremoval.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming apaper product comprising forming a paper and applying a finely groundmineral material to the paper prior to final drying of the paper, themineral material having characteristics which enhance micro-organismactivity at least under some naturally occurring environmentalconditions.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of applying one ormore seeds to the paper prior to final drying of the paper. Preferablythe seeds are applied to an external face of the paper.

The rock dust may be applied to the paper by spraying, vacuum orvibration, and the seeds may be applied to the paper by spraying, vacuumor vibration. The rock dust and the seeds may be applied to the papersimultaneously.

The paper is preferably made in the form of a continuous web. Aconventional paper manufacturing machine may be used. Typically, paperis formed by dewatering a pulp in the paper manufacturing machine tothereby form a continuous web of paper. The web of paper typicallypasses through various drying rollers and finishing rollers and isfinally wound onto a large roll. Alternatively, the continuous web maybe processed into a final form without being would onto a large roll.The rock dust may be introduced at this stage, at an earlier stage oralternatively at a later stage in the process. In the case that seedsare to be included within the paper product, the seeds are preferablyapplied to the paper prior to final drying of the paper has occurred.The seeds are preferably pressed and air dried to form the finalproduct. Particularly suitable drying conditions for drying of the paperafter the seeds are applied thereto utilise a rapid air drying using lowhumidity and temperatures not exceeding about 40° C.

According to another aspect, the invention resides in a paper productwhen produced according to a method that includes forming a paper andapplying a finely ground mineral material to the paper prior to finaldrying of the paper, the mineral material having characteristics whichenhance micro-organism activity at least under some naturally occurringenvironmental conditions.

The preferred feature of the incorporation of plant seeds within thepaper product is described in Australian patent no. 739752 (applicationno. 200048870) to the present inventor, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

Throughout the specification the term “comprise” and variations on thisterm including “comprising” and “comprises” are to be understood toimply the inclusion of a feature, integer, step or element, and notexclude other features, integers, steps or elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of an example process that may be used tomanufacture the paper product of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The paper product according to the present invention is preferablyprovided in a roll form, in a stacked form in a box or alternatively ina package form. The paper product includes a fine rock dust whichincludes minerals and/or elements suitable for the stimulation ofmicro-organisms, preferably including protoplasm and phytoplankton.

The paper product, when disposed of after use either by burying theproduct or by discarding the product on the ground, leaves a deposit ofminerals suitable for promotion of micro-organism activity, thusresulting in a product which is actively biodegraded by the environmentin which it is disposed of, whilst re-mineralising the adjacent soilarea.

Alternatively, when the paper product according to the invention isdisposed of in an aqueous environment, the minerals contained within theproduct enhance the growth and activity of phytoplankton, againresulting in a product which is actively biodegraded by the environmentin which it is disposed of.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the paperproduct further comprises one or more seeds, a suitable environment forthe germination of the seeds may be created when the product is disposedof on land below or on top of the soil surface. The seeds are therebyplaced in a environment so that, when suitable climatic conditions areencountered, the seeds germinate, resulting in the growth of a plant.The seeds included in the paper product may include the seeds of agrass, a shrub or a tree. The presence of the rock dust promotesmicrobial activity and assists in the nourishment of the new plant in atleast its early stages of growth, and thus the paper product may assistto environmentally restore a site.

The paper product according to the present invention is preferably inthe form of tissue/toilet paper. The paper product may be used bybushwalkers, campers, hikers, boaters, spies, field operatives, specialagents, boy scouts, girl guides, army personnel, forestry workers,council workers, truck drivers, loggers, rescue services, land caregroups and the like.

Rock Dust Characteristics

Rock dust, as used in the present invention, alternatively known as rockflour, rock powder, rock food, and mineral fines, are generic termswhich are given to a wide range of primary mineral materials gradedbelow 200 mesh (ASTM US standard, 75 μm). Most preferably, the rock dustis less than 20 μm, although it is anticipated that a particle size ofup to 200 μm may be used. Rock dust contains up to 100 differentminerals and trace elements, and may be the product of igneous,sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as small amounts of organicmatter also of fine particle size.

Rock dust may be formed from natural processes such as weathering ofrocks into fine particles. Other natural processes include glaciation,whereby rocks, sands, clays, plant and organic material, gravel andboulders, termed glacial erratics, are pushed by a glacier as theglacier moves down a valley, and the erratics are ground into a finedust by the force of a glacier slowly moving down a mountain.

Typical primary (igneous) rocks from which rock dust may be formedinclude Basalt, Granite and Gneiss. Other natural and mixed materialrock dust include Volcanic ash and glacial deposits such as GlacialMoraine, all of which have include more than 50 elements, minerals andchemical associations in varying concentrations and forms.

Remineralisation of Soil Using Rock Dust

The use of the present invention may be directed to mineral depletedsoils depleted by both natural causes such as erosion, and from man-madecauses such as agriculture and mining, which have been cited as causesof further soil erosion and mineral depletion, and for causing failureof crops. The introduction of rock dust to mineral depleted soils hasbeen reported to enhance microbial activity within the soil, resultingin improved plant growth and health both with and without compost.Reports have also shown increased yield for fields supplemented withrock dust as opposed to those without.

The mineral composition of rock dust is believed to re-mineralisemineral depleted soils and stimulate and feed microbes, and as such hasbeen shown to be effective in composting processes and remineralisationof agricultural fields. Thus, the disposal of the paper productaccording to the present invention provides for remineralisation andincreased microbial activity enhancing plant growth, thus providing amore sustainable substrate. Upon delivery of mineral material from therock dust to a soil, an environment is provided for the multiplicationof micro-organisms.

Use of Rock Dust in an Aqueous Environment

Rockdust, when present in a water environment, has been considered tonourish phytoplankton, minute, free-floating aquatic plantsphotosynthetic or plant constituent of plankton; mainly unicellularalgae, a basic biological substance cited as being imperative for growthand correct biological balance within aqueous environments.Phytoplankton, at least in part, contributes to the appearance of waterbeing of a green colour in the ocean and in waterways. Driftingphytoplankton is reported as accounting for more than half of thephotosynthesis on earth, and provide oxygen and regulate carbon dioxidewhich contributes to the earth's climate. Phytoplankton blooms onlythree times a year, two blooms in temperate waters (Spring and Autumn),and one brief period in Spring in polar waters. Thus, the paper productaccording to the present invention, when disposed of in a water way orat sea, encourages the activity of phytoplankton, thus feeding theenvironment whilst being degraded. Phytoplankton convert inorganiccompounds into complex organic compounds. This process of primaryproductivity supports the pelagic food chain.

Suitable Rock Dust for the Present Invention

Rock dust used in accordance with the present invention, comprisesminerals and elements of type and size for promotion of microbialactivity when disposed of. Preferably, the rock dust has an averageparticle size of less than about 20 μm.

The mineralogy of rocks is complex, and many minerals and trace elementsare present within various rocks, and thus rock dust, and there are morethat fifty and up one hundred elements and minerals in typical rockdust. By comparison, normal agricultural practice is related mainly tosodium, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium and calcium, while intensivehorticultural fertilisers may include up to 16 macro and micro elements.

Suitable such rock dusts for use in the present invention preferablyinclude those with elements including potassium, calcium andphosphorous. Preferred primary rocks as precursors to rock dust includebasalt and granite, a preferred metamorphic rock is gneiss, and suitablemixed-material rock dusts include glacial deposits such as glacialmoraine. Suitable rock dust may also be formed from degradation ofsedimentary rocks, however such rock dust may be somewhat depleted ofminerals from exposure to weathering.

Other materials from which suitable rock dust may be formed from includevolcanic ash, tuff, perlite, limestone, and industrial by-products suchas cement kiln dust, fly-ash, gypsum, manufactured lime products anddemolition waste.

Depending upon the required function of the invention, particularcombinations of rock dusts from varying origins may be combined toprovide a suitable mineral and element loading with the dust.

Suitable igneous rocks for the formation of rock dust may include:

-   -   ultramafic magmas,    -   rhyloites,    -   olivine (Mg₂SiO₄ to Fe₂SiO₄)    -   pyroxene (Ca(Mg,Fe,Al)(Al,Si)₂O₆),    -   mafic (basaltic) magmas,    -   plagioclase (CaAlSi₃O₈ to NaAlSi₃O₈),    -   intermediate magmas,    -   amphibole (NaCa₂(Mg,Fe,Al)₅(Si,Al)₈O₂(OH)₂,    -   muscovite/biotite (KAl₂(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH)₂),    -   felsic (granitic) magmas, and    -   potash feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈).

Suitable metamorphic rocks for the formation of rock dust may include:

-   -   slate (clay minerals, micas),    -   phyllite (clay minerals, micas),    -   schist (muscovite, biotite, chlorite, talc, garnet, kyanite,        staurolite, quartz, ferromagnesian minerals),    -   gneiss (feldspars, quartz, micas, ferromagnesian minerals),    -   marble—calcite (CaCO₃), dolomitic marble (dolomite        (Ca,Mg)(CO₃)₂),    -   amphibolite (amphiboles),    -   meta-conglomerates,    -   homfels (clay minerals, micas), and    -   anthracite coal (carbonaceous material).

Suitable sedimentary rocks for the formation of rock dust may include:

-   -   sand;    -   sandstone;    -   limestone;    -   dolomite;    -   clays;    -   silt;    -   shale;    -   lignite; and    -   conglomerates.

Suitable Plant Seeds for the Present Invention

Seeds used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention include those preferably of the native flora of thegeographical area in which the product is to be used. The following aretypical plant seed varieties which may be used in Australia, as thatenvironment is one most familiar to the present inventor. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may beequally as applicable in any other geographic areas such as the UnitedStates, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, England may Africa, and those skilledin the art would select appropriate seeds to germinate the requiredflora in a specific geographical environment.

-   -   (a) Eucalyptus—Eucalyptus is a very large genus of trees. There        are Eucalyptus suitable for all soils and climatic conditions.        Eucalyptus are grown easily from seed, if sown or dropped in a        mixture of light sandy loan and leaf mould. Between 400 and 500        species of Eucalyptus occur in Australia. Most Eucalyptus have        small seeds. Examples of particular Eucalyptus suitable for use        in the present invention include:        -   E. micocorys (Tallow-Wood)—A tall, low-branching tree, with            spreading crown for good rainfall areas. Grows to 50 feet.        -   E. perriniana (Round-Leaved Snow-Gum)—An attractive small            tree with silvery foliage—for a very cold to cool climates.            Grows to 20 feet.        -   E. preissiana (Bell Fruit Mallee)—Grows to 15 feet.        -   E. nicholii—A good tree for most soil, cold and temperate            areas. Grows to 50 feet.        -   E. pyriformis (Ooldea Mallee)—Hardy under most conditions.            Grows to 15 feet.        -   E. robusta (Swamp Mahogany)—Useful in badly drained soils.            Grows to 50 feet.        -   E. rideroxylon (Pink Flowing Ironbark)—Slow growing but            hardy. For temperate and dry inland areas. Grows to 50 feet.        -   E. melliodora (Yellow Box)—For moderate rainfall inland            areas. Grows to 50 feet.        -   E. macrocarpa (Mallee Rose)—Prefers well drained soil in dry            areas. Grows to 15 feet.        -   E. macrantha (Scribbly Gum)—An insect working near the bark            produces the scribbly effect which gives this tree its            common name. Some varieties grow to 80 feet, others 20 to 30            feet only. Prefers sandy soils but tolerates others.        -   E. citriodora (Lemon-Scented Gum)—For temperate and            subtropical districts. Grows from 30 to 50 feet.        -   E. cinerea (Argyle Apple)—Prefers good rainfall, in cool to            cold districts. Grows from 30 to 50 feet.        -   E. camaldulensis (River Red Gum)—Prefers heavy soil and does            well in low rainfall areas. Grows from 35 to 50 feet.        -   E calycogona (Gooseberry Mallee)—Drought resistant for            inland districts. Grows to 20 feet.    -   (b) Acacia—A large genus of attractive yellow flowering trees of        which many hundreds are native to Australia. Flowers are either        fluffy balls of blossom, or spikes. Foliage is feathery or        simple. Species are fast growing but usually not long lived.        Acacias are commonly known as Wattle. The following are examples        of Acacias that may be used in the present invention:        -   A. aneura (Mulga)—Hardy under all inland conditions. It is a            very useful fodder tree during drought period. Grows to 20            feet.        -   A. baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle)—A widely cultivated frost            hardy species. Grows to 20 feet.        -   A. dealbata (Silver Wattle)—Grows to 30 feet.        -   A. elata (Cedar Wattle)—Fast growing, longer lived than most            wattles—tree is suitable for temperate climates. Grows to 60            feet.        -   A. glaucescens (Coastal Myall)—Long lived tree. Like moist            soil in coastal areas. Grows to 40 feet.        -   A. longifolia (Sydney Golden Wattle)—A fast growing small            tree. Moisture loving but flourishes in poor sandy soils and            coastal areas. Grows to 15 feet.        -   A. mearnsii (Black Wattle)—Fast growing and suitable for a            wide variety of soils in coastal and mountain areas. Grows            to 40 feet.        -   A. melanoxylon (Blackwood)—Tall growing and frost hardy.            Requires good rainfall. Suitable for cold and temperate            climates. Grows to 100 feet.        -   A. pendula (Weeping Myall)—Suitable for faily dry, warm            inland areas. Grows to 30 feet.        -   A. podalyriifolia (Queensland Silver Wattle)—Fast growing,            suitable for cultivation in all but the coldest climates.            Grows from 8 feet to 20 feet. Native to New South Wales and            Queensland.        -   A. pycnantha (Golden Wattle)—Fairly drought hardy. Suitable            for temperate and inland areas. Grows to 25 feet.        -   A. salicina (Cooba or Willow Wattles)—Suitable for inland            areas. Grows to 40 feet.        -   A. sectabilis (Mudgee Wattle)—This species is frost hardy.            Grows to 10 feet.    -   (c) Allocasuarina (She Oaks)—Australian native parrots use the        Casuarinas as a food source. The female tree bears nuts, which        contains the seeds. Casuarinas have scale—like leaves. The        following examples of Casuarina may be used in the present        invention:        -   Allocasuarina cunninghamiana (River She Oak)—Usually found            along fresh water streams. For most districts with rainfall            exceeding 20 inches. Grows to 50 feet.        -   A. glauca—Grows to 40 fee. Very useful for growing in badly            drained coastal areas, near brackish water.        -   A. equisetifolia Incana—Grows to 30 feet. Stands            considerable exposure near the coastline.    -   (d) Grevillea—Attractive flowering trees for coastal and inland        areas. Native to Australia. The following provides examples of        Grevillea that may be used in the present invention:        -   Grevillea Banksii—For temperate regions. Grows to 15 feet.        -   G. Robusta (Silky Oak)—For hot, dry inland districts. Grows            to 30 feet.        -   G. Striata (Beefwood)—For hot, dry inland districts. Grows            to 30 feet.        -   G. Banksii Foresteri—Most districts except very cold. Grows            to 8 feet.        -   G. Rosmarinifolia—Most districts. Grows to 6 feet.        -   G. Gaudichaudii—Loves cold districts. Grows to 1 foot.        -   G. Triternata—Loves cold districts. Grows 1-2 feet.    -   (e) Melaleuca (Paperbark)—An Australian native. The following        gives examples of Melaleucas that may be used in the present        invention:        -   Melaleuca armillaris (Paperbark)—very hardy in sandy soils            near the coast. Grows to 25 feet.        -   Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-Leaved Paperbark)—The largest            growing of the species, reaching up to 40 feet. For coastal            soils and some inland areas.        -   M. stypheliodes (Prickly-Leaved Paperbark)—Will thrive in            moist soils in temperate districts.    -   (f) Leptospermum (Tea Tree)—Grows in sandy soils in locations        close to the sea. The following provide examples that may be        used in the present invention:        -   Leptospermum flavescens—Grows to 15 feet.        -   L. grandiflorum—Grows to 15 feet.        -   L. laevigatum—Grows to 15 feet.        -   L. rotundifolium—Grows 3 to 6 feet.        -   L. lambethii—Fast growing. Grows to 8 feet.        -   L. pestersonii (Leon-Scented Tea Tree)—Temperate districts.            Grows to 15 feet.        -   L. scoparium—Temperate districts. Grows to 6 feet.        -   Several Varieties L. S. nichollsii—Grows to 8 feet.    -   (g) Callistemon (Boftlebrushes)—Native to Australia. They are        small ornamental trees with attractive foliage, showy        boftlebrush-like spikes of flowers. There are species and        varieties suited to most soil conditions. For temperate, inland        and warmer mountain areas. The following list provides examples        of Callistemon that may be used in the present invention:        -   Callistemon citrinus (Red Boftlebrush)—For temperate and            good rainfall inland areas. Grows to 15 feet.        -   C. salignus—stands fairly dry conditions, Grows to 20 feet.        -   C. viminalis—Prefers a moist location. Grows to 20 feet.    -   (h) Bracteantha (Everlasting Daisies)        -   fast growing native daisy        -   grows in most soils    -   (i) Kunzea        -   Hardy woody shrub        -   Capable of growing in a wide range of environments in            temperate Australia

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seeds that areselected to be included in the paper product have an average particlesize less that about 50 μm, although seeds having a particle size up toabout 100 μm or 200 μm may be used.

The paper product of the present invention may be made in the form of acontinuous web using a conventional paper manufacturing machine. FIG. 1shows a flow diagram of a typical manufacturing process. In step 1, rockdust 11 is added to screened pulp 10. This may be achieved by adding therock dust 11 in a controlled manner onto the screened pulp 10 as it isfed to a roller press on an endless belt.

The screen pulp 10 with. the rock dust 11 additive is then pressed by aroller press so as to form a consolidated continuous web (step 2). Theweb is then typically passed through various drying rollers andfinishing rollers. The drying process may be a multi-stage process. Inthe example process shown in FIG. 1, the drying process has a firststage (step 3) and a second stage (step 5). Step 4 involves the optionaladdition of seeds 12 and optionally further rock dust 11, the seeds 12and rock dust 11 being pressed into the continuous web under lightpressure. Alternatively, step 1 may be omitted and rock dust 11 addedonly at stage 4. The second stage of drying (step 5) may involve usingair drying in a low humidity environment and with temperatures notexceeding about 40° C. Other drying conditions may be used for the firststage of drying (step 3).

Finally, the continuous web is wound onto a large roll 20, which is usedas a supply of paper for further processing. Alternatively, thecontinuous web may be processed into a final form without being wouldonto a large roll.

As described, the rock dust may be introduced at step 1 or at step 4,although the present invention is to limited addition of the rock dustat these stages of the paper manufacture process. If seeds are not addedto the paper, then the drying process may be completed as a single stagewith uniform drying conditions.

In an alternative embodiment, the paper product may be formed a firstand a second ply of paper, with the rock dust and/or seeds locatedbetween the first and second plies. The paper product may be sealedaround its periphery to avoid leakage of the rock dust or seeds.

EXAMPLE 1 Paper Product Including Rock Dust and Seeds

In a first example of a paper product according to the presentinvention, the product includes both rock dust and a combination ofseeds suitable for the Australian environment, and possibly othergeographical environments. The rock dust included in this example is aglacial moraine, although as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, other rock dusts may be used without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

A combination of seeds of the present example is shown below in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Seed constituents SPECIES Approx. viable seed/kg Seed/kmBracteantha 1,400,000 2,000 Casuarina 300,000 1,000 Callistemon1,000,000 2,000 Eucalyptus 300,000 1,000 Leptospermum 600,000 2,000Melaleuca 1,100,000 2,000 Total 10,000 seeds

EXAMPLE 2 Paper Product Including Rock Dust and Seeds

In a second example of a paper product according to the presentinvention, the product again includes both rock dust and a combinationof seeds suitable for the Australian environment. Again, the rock dustincluded in this example is a glacial moraine, although as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, other rock dusts may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

A further combination of seeds suitable for the present invention isshown below in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Seed constituents SPECIES Approx. viable seed/kg Seed/kmBracteantha 1,400,000 2,000 Casuarina 300,000 500 Callistemon 1,000,0002,000 Eucalyptus 300,000 500 Kunzea 800,000 1,000 Leptospermum 600,0001,000 Melaleuca 1,100,000 2,000 Total 9,000 seeds

The paper products of Examples 1 and 2 will provide approximately 10rolls of toilet paper per kilometre of paper being formed, with eachroll having approximately 1,000 sheets of paper.

The products of these examples are formed from recycled unbleachedpaper. Alternatively, virgin pulp may be used. No adhesives arenecessary to adhere the seeds or the rock dust to the paper product,although in a less preferred embodiment the rock dust and/or the seedsmay be adhered to the paper product using a suitable adhesive. Where anadhesive is used, it is preferably used only on the interior of amultiple ply paper product rather than on an outer surface of the paperproduct. Alternatively, the rock dust and/or seeds may be adhered as acoating to one side of the paper product, the person using the otherside of the paper product.

When the paper product is disposed of in the environment as discussedabove, the paper may, at least in Australia, spend some time upon orunder the ground awaiting warmth and moisture for germination of theseeds. Although the seeds are initially located in a concentratedlocation, some of the seeds may be carried away by wind, rain and fauna,whilst some will remain at the original deposition site.

EXAMPLE 3 Paper Product with Only Rock Dust

In accordance with the invention, the present example is one in which apaper product is formed with only rock dust incorporated. The rock dustincorporated is preferably glacial moraine, however other rock dusts andcombinations of rock dusts may be used.

The paper product is formed from a non-bleached recycled paper oralternatively virgin pulp, and is suitable to be used on land wherebythe product, once used and discarded either by burial or by being leftabove the ground, the rock dust re-mineralises the adjacent soil, thusproviding suitable environmental conditions for the promotion ofmicro-organism activity. The paper product according to the presentexample is also suitable for use and disposal in aqueous environmentssuch as at sea, or waterways. The rock dust provided assists in feedingphytoplankton found in water environments, which assists in thebreak-down of the waste whilst assisting the water environment.Excessive human activity in certain regions has been detrimental tophytoplankton growth, thus exposing the stability of the region'sbiodiversity.

As will be appreciated, the present invention provides anenvironmentally friendly and cost effective paper product which assistsin overcoming at least some of the deficiencies typified by prior artpaper products, whilst assisting in the regeneration of soil and ecologyby re-mineralising soil. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention additionally provides a product which assists in theregeneration of flora, which provides long-term environmentaladvantages.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in thisspecification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more ofthe individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings.All of these different combinations constitute various alternativeaspects of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention describedherein may be subject to variations and modifications. It is to beunderstood that the present invention extends to and encompasses allsuch variations and modifications that fall within the scope of theappended claims.

1. A paper product comprising at least one sheet of soft degradablepaper material at least partially coated or impregnated with a mineralmaterial in a fine particulate form, the mineral material havingcharacteristics which enhance micro-organism activity at the paperproduct at least under some naturally occurring environmentalconditions.
 2. A paper product according to claim 1, wherein the mineralmaterial is impregnated within the paper material, adhered to the papermaterial or located between two adjacent piles of the paper material. 3.A paper product according to claim 1, wherein the mineral material is inthe form of a rock dust.
 4. A paper product according to claim 1,wherein the mineral material is formed from at least one igneous rocktype.
 5. A paper product according to claim 1, wherein the mineralmaterial is formed from at least one of the group comprising basalt,granite and rhyolite.
 6. A paper product according to claim 1, whereinthe mineral material is formed from at least one metamorphic rock.
 7. Apaper product according to claim 6, wherein the mineral material is inthe form of rock dust and the rock dust is formed from at least onegneiss type rock.
 8. A paper product according to claim 1, wherein themineral material is formed from glacial deposit.
 9. A paper productaccording to claim 8, wherein the mineral material is formed from aglacial moraine.
 10. A paper product according to claim 1, wherein themineral material is formed from at least one sedimentary rock.
 11. Apaper product according to any one of claims 1, wherein the mineralmaterial is formed from at least one rock from at least two differentrock types selected from the group comprising igneous rock, metamorphicrock and sedimentary rock.
 12. A paper product according to claim 1,wherein the mineral material has an average particle size less thanabout 200 μm.
 13. A paper product according to claim 1, wherein themineral material has an average particle size less than about 75 μm. 14.A paper product according to claim 1, wherein the mineral material hasan average particle size less than about 50 μm.
 15. A paper productaccording to claim 1, wherein the rock dust has an average particle sizeof less than about 20 μm.
 16. A paper product according to claim 1,wherein the at least one sheet of paper is formed from a recycled papermaterial.
 17. A paper product according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone sheet of paper is formed from a virgin pulp material.
 18. A paperproduct according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sheet of paper isformed from a non-bleached material.
 19. A paper product according toclaim 1, further comprising one or more seeds.
 20. A paper productaccording to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seeds of one ormore different plant varieties.
 21. A paper product according to claim19, wherein said seeds are applied to an outer face of said at least onesheet of paper material such that the seeds are held in place without anadhesive.
 22. A paper product according to claim 19, wherein said seedshave an average particle size less than about 200 μm.
 23. A paperproduct according to claim 19, wherein said seeds have an averageparticle size less than about 100 μm.
 24. A paper product according toclaim 19, wherein said seeds have an average particle size less thanabout 50 μm.
 25. A paper product according to claims 19, wherein saidseeds are applied at a rate of up to 10,000 seeds per kilometre ofpaper.
 26. A paper product according to claim 19, wherein 8,000 to10,000 of said seeds are applied to each kilometre of paper.
 27. A paperproduct according to claim 19, wherein the seeds selected are dependentupon a predetermined geographical area of usage of the paper product.28. A paper product according to claim 19, wherein the seeds areselected from at least one of the group of seeds of trees selected fromEucalyptus, Callistemon, Melaleuca, Casuarina, Leptospermum, Bracteanthaand Kunzea species.
 29. A method of forming a paper product comprisingforming a paper and applying a finely ground mineral material to thepaper prior to final drying of the paper, the mineral material havingcharacteristics which enhance micro-organism activity at least undersome naturally occurring environmental conditions.
 30. A method offorming a paper product according to claim 29, further comprisingapplying one or more seeds to the paper prior to final drying of thepaper.
 31. A method of forming a paper product according to claim 30,wherein the seeds are applied to an external face of the paper.
 32. Amethod of forming a paper product according claim 30, wherein the rockdust and the seeds are applied to the paper simultaneously. 33-36.(canceled)